Lockhart is the county seat of Caldwell County which is centrally located just 15 miles from Austin, 5 miles from Interstate 35 and San Marcos with Interstate 10 running through Luling at the southern tip of the county. The new SH-130 will be bisecting the county from the north to the southwest.

Jo Nell Williams was born to Jesse and Almanetta (Randle) Smith on Aug. 31, 1937 in Lockhart, Texas. She received her education from Carver High School in Lockhart, Texas, as a graduate of the “Class 1957.”

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Marks United Methodist Church in Lockhart.

Jo Nell was united in Holy Matrimony to France Hilmon Williams on Jan. 29, 1957, and to this union one child was born a daughter, Tanya Williams.

Jo Nell was employed at Cartwheel Lodge Nursing Home for many years, where she worked as a medication aide and as she continued her career in the medical field she was later employed at the Golden Age Nursing Home where she worked as a Nurse’s Aide many years, until her health forced her to quit.

She was preceded in death by: her father, Jesse Smith; her mother Almanetta (Randle) Smith; her brother, Jesse James Smith, Jr.; and her husband France Hilmon Williams.

Jo Nell leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Tanya (Williams) Rubio; four grandchildren: Elashia, Ashanti, La Damian and Ja Marcus all of Medina, Texas; one niece Sheila Baty (Horace), of Houston; two great-nieces LaToya Shields (Winston), of Houston and Ashley Sadberry, of San Francisco, Calif.; two great-great nephews, Destin and ZaCory Shields, of Houston; sister-in-law, Bertie Smith; brother-in-law, Worlis Williams (Janice); two special friends, Bessie Greenwood and Bonnie Branch, all of Lockhart; and a host of relatives and friends.

RIP JoNell, you will always be remembered by your beautiful smile and laughter. I enjoyed knowing you and working with you. Spread your wings and fly sweet Jo Nell. My condolences to Tanya and your grandbabies.